John Robert (BJ) Townsend, age 66 of Waupaca, WI passed away suddenly on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at Munroe Regional Medical Center, while vacationing in Ocala, Florida.
BJ was born in Iola on April 13, 1946, the son of the late Robert Carver and Irene Eleanor (Skowen) Townsend. He graduated from Waupaca High School in 1964 and entered the US Army in 1966. On September 4, 1971, BJ married Susan Schroeder at Scandinavia Lutheran Church. During his career as an over-the-road truck driver, he logged over 5.2 million accident-free miles before retiring in 2005. He was a faithful member and an elder of Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca, served on the Church Council and Building & Grounds committee, was a Sunday school teacher and member of the Men’s Choir. He was a member of the Waupaca Conservation Club, loved boating, hunting, bowling and especially riding his motorcycle. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, and was always their biggest fan at their sporting events and activities. BJ also loved watching the Packers and Brewers. After retiring, BJ became part of the Holly Funeral Home family as a Funeral Assistant.
BJ is survived by his wife, Susan Townsend, Waupaca; his children: Mike (Lisa) Townsend, Appleton; Shelley Townsend, Neenah and Mark (Debbie) Townsend, Waupaca; his five grandchildren: Andrew Curtis, (friend, Caitlin Murphy) Madison; Brady and Dylan Townsend, Appleton and Alyssa and Caitlyn Townsend, Waupaca; his brother, Richard (Bertha) Townsend, Scandinavia and his sister, Lisa Neve, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Also surviving are other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Eleanor Townsend and his brother-in-law Ron Neve. BJ will always be remembered for his big hugs, bigger heart, and his ability to light up any room with his warm, loving personality.
The Funeral Service will be on Saturday, March 2 at 11 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca with Reverend Dr. Charles Tews – Reverend Jennifer DeNetz and Reverend Andy Behrendt, officiating. Military Graveside Services will be later in the spring at the Central WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, King, WI. Visitation will be on Friday evening from 4 to 8 PM at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca and on Saturday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church would be greatly appreciated. Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.